Topic Contents

Hepatitis C Genotypes

Topic Overview

Six major strains (genotypes) of the
hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause infection. You may be
infected with more than one genotype at a time.

Genotype 1 is the most common strain in the
United States.

Genotypes 1, 2, and 3 are found
worldwide.

Genotype 4 is found throughout northern
Africa.

Genotype 5 commonly is found in South
Africa.

Genotype 6 is common in Asia.

Genotype testing is done with a blood test.

How genotype affects treatment

Although genotype tests are not used to diagnose HCV infection,
they may be done before treatment begins. Knowing the genotype may help a
doctor choose the best treatment plan. You should know your genotype before
treatment starts.

The antiviral medicines peginterferon and ribavirin are more likely to work for people who have
genotype 2 or 3. These medicines also are used to treat people who have genotypes 5 and 6.

For people who have genotype 1, another medicine, such as boceprevir or telaprevir, is used along with peginterferon and ribavirin to treat hepatitis C.

If blood tests show that you have responded to antiviral therapy
(the virus is not detected in your blood) after 6 months, treatment may
be:

Continued for another 6 months, if you are
infected with genotype 1.

Stopped, if you are infected with
genotype 2 or 3. Prolonging treatment does not seem to provide any more
benefit.

The genotype of HCV does not appear to have any effect on the
severity of HCV infection or to affect your risk of developing cancer of the
liver.

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